The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1887-05-20
KID MILLER,s VICTIM.
Our Minister to Bogota Caught in his Art
full Tolls.

OuE 1AAMlBteE 10 tOgOGA O2u&MD IN his Art
full Tolls.
DR.. Valentine O. King, well-known ply
stefan of San Antonio, Tex, and the present
United States minister to Bogota had stir
ring experience in New York city with the
skilled and fascinating kid Miller, the
famous "bunco steerer," the former part
ner of Hungry Joe'' and Grand Cen
trail Pete" DIR. King is very pleasant gem
tleman, fifty-four years old, and knows little
about the traps laid for unwary strangers in
Gotham. He arrived in New York BY the
Pacific mail steamship Colon from Aspin-
next morning while strUlling past the Fifth
avenue Hotel he was accosted by Kid,
Miller. who grasped him by the hand and
appeared delighted to see him.
How are you, DR.. King 7? he said warmly.
tits long time since / met you.''
The doctor was surprised, yet pleased, at
the warmth of the greeting. kid then in
troduced himself as lick Richardson. "a
son of J. w. Richardson, of the firm Of
Richardson & May, commission merchants.
doing business on Carondelet street, New
Orleans. DIR. King and Richardson had beer
not met for fifteen years. The doctor knew
that Richardson had several sons, one of
whom he was aware had settled in the North
after the war, and therefore the diplomat
was thrown off his guard. and, completely
deceived by the Kids" manner and appear
ance, greeted him warmly as the son Of his
old friend.
They had drink together in neighbor-
ing bar-room, and then the Kid, having
entirely gained his victims confidence, pro-
ceeded to spread his net in the usual manner.
He had had rare luck in drawing two prizes
in an art lottery and had won two fine sets
of Bancroft's History of the United States.
He was his ~, a.,
met the doctor. IF the doctor would accom-
pany him he would be gratified to make him
present of one of the sets. DIR. King said
that he had the books already in bis library,
but he was induced to accompany his young
friend Richardson to Ill East Twenty-ffth
street. He was there introduced to Harry
Stetson, the manager of the establishment.
Stetson told the KID that in addition to
the books he had won cash prize of $500,
but he could not get this money until he
paid in 800 for five tickets in the lottery.
'Kid' regretted that he had come out with
rowed 500 from him, which he promised to
repay as soon as he got the prize cashed.
Then the "bunco'' game was opened in
due form. KID played, and not only lost
the $500, but $4O0 more, at least so It was
made to appear to DIR King. Kid tried to
borrow $500 more from the doctor, butin
this was unsuccessful. Then he slipped out
of the room, and when the doctor attempted
to follow him he was hindered by those in
the room, but he finally broke through the
distractions and gained the street. There he
met Miller in front of the house and rated
him roundly as thief and a scoundrel. The
"bunco" man took the rating good humor-
edly, assured the doctor that he was entirely
mistaken and if he would accompany him
to the Sturtevant House, where he was stop
ping. he would return him the money he
had borrowed. They started for the Sturte-
want House, but on the way Miller gave the
old gentleman the slip and escaped.
The doctor did not report his experience
to the police, but in going about the city
kept his eye open for his young friend.
Meeting him on the street the doctor gave
chase and the bunco steerer was captured
and handed over to policeman. In his
possession was found the usual stock in trade
of a bunco steerer-a bank note reporter,
containing list of all the bank officers in
the country. g
The doctor, who was under an engagement
to go to Washington to call at the White
House, sent a telegram to President Cleve-
land postponing the visit, so that he could
remain in New York and prosecute the
swindler.